Sediqa, a 16-year-old Afghan refugee now living in Vienna, has become a strong voice for children’s rights and education. Having left Afghanistan in 2021, she quickly recognized the stark contrast between the opportunities available to children in Austria and those denied to her peers back home. Determined to raise awareness, she entered and won the 2024 Sag’s Multi Speech Competition, delivering powerful speeches against child marriage, child labor, and the undervaluing of education. Since then, she has been invited to schools and events, gaining national recognition for her advocacy.

Sediqa’s impact extends beyond Austria. She tutors for the OMID Online School, helping Afghan girls continue their education, and contributes to UNHCR’s Refugee Team, advocating for the rights of child refugees and orphans. Her multilingual videos have gone viral, reaching over 100,000 viewers, while her participation in policy discussions, including with Austria’s Child Welfare Commission, ensures children’s voices are heard at decision-making levels. By combining grassroots efforts with international advocacy, Sediqa is using her platform to defend the rights of children and inspire hope for those whose opportunities are limited by conflict and displacement.